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The Plum boys and girls cross country team members ran an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at Boyce Park to get acclimated to the atmosphere of an upcoming race, whether it is a dual meet or an invitational.

The Mustangs have had the conditioning part down pat, as the team members have logged many miles throughout Plum Borough over the spring and summer months.

“I thought we ran well at the intrasquad scrimmage,” veteran head coach Joe Ionta said. “The teams have a lot of potential.”

The Plum teams kick off their season at the 24th annual Gateway Invitational on Saturday morning at Boyce Park.

More than a dozen teams will be in action, and the races begins with the varsity girls at 9 a.m., followed by the varsity boys race at 9:30.

The junior varsity boys and girls races will be at 10 and 10:30, respectively.

The Gateway Invitational again will feature middle school races. The boys race will be at 11, with the girls race at 11:20.

“The kids are excited,” Ionta said. “They are looking forward to running against kids in different- color uniforms. There are always great teams at the Gateway Invitational. It always gives us a good idea of where we are to start the season.”

Ionta said the number of runners on both teams really have impressed him. A total of 54 runners are on both teams – 29 girls and 25 boys.

“They are all working hard, and the weather has really cooperated,” he said.

Five of the top seven Plum varsity girls finishers at last year's WPIAL championship meet return this season.

“It will be a very challenging season for both teams. We hope to be competitive against the top teams and improve as the season goes on. Both squads have a great work ethic, and I know they will improve.”

Michael Love is a staff writer with Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-388-5825 or at mlove@tribweb.com.

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